Instructor Class Description

Ecology

Introduces major concepts of ecology and relates these concepts to current environmental issues. Topics include the relationship between organisms and the physical environment, evolutionary processes, the structure and function of ecosystems, population biology, forest management, pesticide use, and global warming. Prerequisite: B BIO 180.

Class description

This course gives students an understanding of the principles of ecology, the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. Topics we will cover include: evolutionary processes and the relationship between ecology and evolution; interactions between organisms and their physical environment; population ecology; interactions between members of ecological communities, such as competition and predation; community-level ecological processes; and the structure and function of ecosystems and their distribution on the planet. We will also relate ecological concepts to a variety of current environmental issues, such as oil pollution, habitat and biodiversity loss, forest management, and global climate change. The information and understanding of ecology gained in this course provides a foundation for further coursework in environmental sciences and biology

Student learning goals

Gain an understanding of the major principles and concepts of ecology, ecological process, habitat-species relationships and the dynamics of ecosystems.

Gain an understanding of the reciprocal connections between humans and the environment (both benefits and impacts).

Improve analytical skills, and the ability to reason quantitatively and interpret visual representation of ecological data

Summarize and evaluate primary research literature in ecology

Develop and practice skills for collaboration and teamwork, and gain experience in communicating science

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Maria Ursula Valdez
Date: 12/02/2013

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Modified:April 23, 2014